Averaging at 60kg DM/ha/day and with similar growing conditions, this week’s grass growth is comparable to last week, at -1kg DM/ha/day. For the same period in 2019, this year’s average is 11kg DM/ha/day greater. The East saw the highest growth rates, achieving 75kg DM/ha/day which is an increase of 33kg DM/ha/day, compared to last week’s figures. The lowest figures were seen in the South East, averaging at 46kg DM/ha/day, -7kg DM/ha/ day on the previous week.
Milk Yield from Grazing (MYFG)
This week, the potential MYFG average has increased by 3.33 litres/day to M+13.48 litre/day. This is 1.71 litres/day below the average figure reported for the same period in 2019, although it is greater than the 6-year average of M+12.98 litres/day. The increase could be attributable to a rise in potential grass DM intake, which for this week averaged 12.60kg DM/day (+1.04 kg on the week). The highest potential MYFG at M+15.7 litres/day was recorded in Wales and the West, whilst the lowest recording was M+7.8 litres/day in the East.
*The lab at Trouw has received many samples from Wales and West, as well as Scotland, accounting for 27% and 20% respectively. Once again, the North East and Yorkshire accounted for only 3% of the total sample pool, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting these figures.
Grass Quality
This week, metabolisable energy (ME) of grass has increased to 11.65 MJ/kg DM, 0.32 MJ/kg DM higher than last week. The change could be attributed to a rise in the sugar content from 5.98% DM, to 7.98% DM. In combination with a crude protein (CP) concentration of 22.71%, the ratio of sugars to CP is optimal for rumen nitrogen use efficiency. This has been highlighted in the loss of milk from excess rumen nitrogen being reported at 0.64 litres/day which is 0.02 litres/day below last week.
To optimise grazing quality, good grassland management is encouraged, through monitoring sward heights to ensure target entry and residual covers are achieved, managing rotation lengths and managing stocking densities.
For more information on NWF Grass Seeds, call our traded products team on 0800 756 2787.
Source: Trouw Nutrition GB
